Jesus Piece, courtesy Kayla Menze.

This week we feature Ryan Oakes’ exploration of masked mental health issues, Joseph’s affirmation, the industry savior faire of Tdot illdude, McKinley Dixon’s mournful tribute track, the never-ending nightmare of Jesus Piece and the passing acceptance of the inevitable with Lucero and Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys.

Tdot illdude, “LUKA” — While recording in Paris, Tdot found himself inspired by watching the Slovenian basketball player (and Dallas Mavericks star) Luka Doncic. This bombastic track sees the rapper tactfully navigating the ever-changing landscape of the hip-hop scene. Despite the changing tides, illdude is not deterred from taking measured risks as he makes maneuvers, pondering when, “the nerds eating better than the shooters.”

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Lucero, “Macon if We Make It” — Sometimes, you can see trouble coming from miles away and all you can really do is try to make the best of things and weather the impending storm. Memphis band Lucero draws an analogy between weathering harsh hurricanes and the emotional rollercoaster of a contentious relationship between two people. Regardless of the somber tone, the song has an upbeat, driving tempo paired with slick guitars riffs to help calm those nerves before it hits the fan.

Ryan Oakes, “Down” — We all wear different masks around different people, but it’s when we’re alone that we take them off. This pop-punk and hip-hop fusion track explores how those who struggle with mental illness, depression in particular, often obscure the reality of their state of mind when around other people. The song also explores how these problems can be exacerbated by lack of access to quality healthcare for those struggling. Funny how misery loves company, especially when people often feel so alone. The beautiful irony is that you truly aren’t.

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Jesus Piece, “Gates of Horn” — The twisted, cyclical nightmare presented through the morbid prose of vocalist Aaron Heard will shake listeners to their core. This maniacal, macabre metal maelstrom is a melodic mix of pulse-pounding power chords preceded by passing pauses to pack a punch. The song is invigorating and rejuvenating as it revels in sheer horror that makes listeners want to give Tipper Gore a hard time.

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys, “Burning Building” — Akin to the Lucero track, Lucy Kruger sings about an oncoming disaster, but rather than flea she, tacitly accepts the impending doom. The song is an anthem of accepting defeat, for recognizing a lost cause when it’s right before us. The subtext reads like the damning final words of those concerned for the state of the planet as leaders do nothing to stop the world from burning up.

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McKinley Dixon, “Tyler, Forever” — Life’s incredibly hard when grieving the loss of close friends, and McKinley Dixon is still in the midst of grieving. Bombastic horns blast out with a liveliness that one might expect for an upbeat banger for game day, but the lyrics are a somber reminder about the fragility of life as a whole. Dixon encourages listeners to try and hold onto the good memories and feelings that make our relationships with the people we love worthwhile.

Editor Roman Gokhman’s pick: Joseph, “Nervous System” — Harmonizing sister trio Joseph is back and jumps into the “deep end” on the first single from its just-announced forthcoming album, The Sun. For a band that started with Americana-tinged folk anthems, this is as close as its come to a pop banger. It bodes for exciting developments on the album. “The best part about it is we’re still in the fight,” Allison Closner sings before being joined by her sisters, Meegan Closner and Natalie Schepman. Joseph wrote “Nervous System” with Tayla Parx and Wynne Bennett (HAIM, Janelle Monae) and it’s about being your “own lifelines in times of anxiety and struggle.” Joseph’s new album is out April 28 on ATO Records.

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Tim’s Pick: Jesus Piece’s “Gates of Horn” feels like a fresh shot in the arm as the ferocious melody shreds along with the growling performance of it’s lead singer. It’s hardcore, yet balanced as it makes the most of pauses to punctuate the guitar riffs. Aaron Heard presents a terrifying tale of a recurring nightmare that he finds himself reawakening to again and again—struggling to find peace of mind with no end in sight.

Follow hip-hop critic Tim Hoffman at Twitter.com/hipsterp0tamus.